Question : Training to Manual Scavengers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 314
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2020

Training to Manual Scavengers

314. SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL:
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

(a) the number of manual scavengers identified during the National Survey in 2018 and 2019 so far;

(b) the skill development training imparted to the identified manual scavengers;

(c) the reasons for training less number of manual scavengers out of those identified;

(d) the total fund allocated under various components under the Scheme for Liberation of Scavengers (SRM) and the amount spent by his Ministry;

(e) the reasons for low spending; and

(f) the number of districts surveyed by the Government to identify manual scavengers and the assistance provided for the welfare of those people in these districts along with the further steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER


MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)
(a): 47,775 manual scavengers have been identified in the National Survey 2018-19 upto 27.01.2020.
(b): 8601 manual scavengers and their dependents have been provided skill development training since 2013-14.
(c): Due to social and educational background and the age group of the manual scavengers, a majority of them do not opt for skill development training.

(d): There is no component-wise allocation of funds under Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS). The budget allocation and the funds released for providing rehabilitation benefits under the scheme during the last three years are as under:

(Rs. in Crore)
Year Allocation of funds Funds Released
2017-18 5.00 5.00
2018-19 85.76 85.76
2019-20 110 69.80 (upto 31stDecember, 2019)

(e): SRMS is a demand driven scheme and the expenditure depends on the number of manual scavengers identified from time to time.
(f): The National Survey was carried out in 194 districts of 18 States. 27,813 manual scavengers identified in the National Survey have been provided onetime cash assistance of Rs.40,000/- each upto 27.01.2020. In addition, the identified manual scavengers and their dependents are also eligible for skill development training with monthly stipend of Rs.3000/- each and capital subsidy upto a maximum of Rs.3,25,000/- on the bank loans availed for undertaking self employment projects. Awareness camps are organized by the implementing agency of the scheme, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) in the districts having concentration of identified manual scavengers to motivate the beneficiaries to undertake skill training and avail loans with subsidy for self employment projects.
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